The band was formed by MC Taylor and Scott Hirsch in 2007, after their relocation in North Carolina. Both Taylor and Hirsch were the members of the hardcore punk band Ex-Ignota and San Francisco-based indie rockband The Court & Spark, whose dissolution led to the formation of the band.The band's early recordings were released through Taylor's own recording label, "Heaven & Earth Magic Recording Company."

The band's debut album, Country Hai East Cotton, was released in 2009 via Taylor's label in a limited edition of 500. This was followed by their international debut album, Bad Debt, in 2010, released via Black Maps. The band's third album, Poor Moon, was released in 2012 via North Carolina-based "Paradise of Bachelors", and received positive reviews.The band's fourth album, Haw, was released on April 2, 2013.

Hiss Golden Messenger was signed to Merge in April 2014 and released their fifth album and Merge label debut, Lateness of Dancers on September 9, 2014.

The band's music contains elements from various musical genres, such as folk, country, dub, country soul, rhythm and blues, bluegrass, jazz, funk, swamp pop, gospel, blues, and rock. The band's style was also described as "alternative country" and "country rock." The band's main influences include the Beatles, The Byrds, and Buffalo Springfield. The band has been compared to Will Oldham and Bill Callahan.

The night is young! Come listen to the beauty that is HIss Golden Messenger. Doors 8pm|Cover$15|All Ages